Iron Rose Sister Ministries

Written by Michelle J. Goff, Director and Founder of Iron Rose Sister Ministries

For twelve years I have been visiting doctors, healers, anyone who thought they could help. There isn’t a treatment I haven’t tried. I’ve changed my diet. I’ve tried herbal remedies, essential oils. Nothing has worked.

For twelve years I have been bleeding.

You know how you feel when you’re on the worst day of your period? Depleted, cramping, cranky, no energy, angry at Eve, no appetite, or eating everything in sight? I’ve felt that way for the past twelve years with no reprieve.

Women in menopause—you’ve got nothing on me. Not to minimize anyone else’s pain, but I am at a loss and the isolation and rejection are worst of all.

You see, I’m a Jew. And blood is an unclean thing. For the first few months, I didn’t go anywhere because I would make others unclean. When I finally gathered the courage and energy to get out of the house, it almost made things worse.

I was forced to yell “unclean,” wherever I went so that no one accidentally touched me and became unclean as well. Literally like hanging your dirty laundry out for all to see.

And a very lonely existence. No physical contact for twelve years—not a hug, a gentle touch, or warm embrace. I feel unloved, forgotten, and broken.

It may be uncomfortable to talk about, but the events of this past week have inspired me to shout from the mountain tops, and it’s nothing about the word, “unclean.”

A Teacher with great healing power was in town. And while it took everything in me to find hope for healing, I had heard so many wonderful things about this man of God that I cried out to God and ventured to take a risk one more time.

Crowds surrounded the Teacher and pressed up against Him so closely that I knew there was no way I could get close to Him. His disciples stayed nearby and would’ve risked their own uncleanliness before I approached the Rabbi.

But I had no choice. My final hope of healing was with that man. If only I could touch the hem of His garment… So, I covered my face and defied the Jewish rules. In a strange combination of terror of discovery and hope of healing, under cover of my cloak, I weaved my way through the crowd.

Finally, I had reached the Teacher and my fingers were able to graze the edge of his garment. Immediately, relief flooded me. Breath returned to my lungs. Life was restored to my body. I was healed!

However, my relief was short-lived and my breath became a frozen gasp as the Teacher spoke out. “Who touched my clothes?”

His disciples tried to convince Him that it was the crowd pressing around Him, but when He persisted, my greatest fear was realized. Rebuke, rejection, isolation, and a reversal of His healing were imminent. I was sure of it.

Yet this Teacher was like none other. As I trembled at His feet, completely unveiled, confessed my actions, and shared my story, His eyes were filled, not with condemnation, but rather with compassion… love, acceptance, and sympathy.

My own tears of fear transformed into tears of deep, heart-felt gratitude for the tremendous gift I had been given. Yes, I was grateful for the physical healing of my bleeding. Still more powerful than the physical healing though was the emotional healing. For the first time in twelve years, I was welcomed back into the family. I was brought back into the community. I was redeemed.

“Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.”
Yes, the Teacher, Jesus Christ Messiah, had called me “Daughter.”

For the full story, read Matthew 9, Mark 5, and Luke 8.

P.S. I later learned that it was the shedding of His redeeming blood that made us all clean—He offered everyone the opportunity to be welcomed back into His family. I invite you to also let him call you “Daughter.”

#IronRoseSister #HIStories #healing #daughterofGod #emotionalhealth #womanwithissueofblood #MichelleJGoff #blog

Written by Johanna Zabala, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Ecuador

Did you know that our names identify us? Well, yes. On this occasion Timothy, according to the Greek, means one who honors and worships God. How beautiful! He must have been a great, faithful, and dedicated servant of God because it is reflected in the Bible. Son of a compassionate Jewish woman and a Greek father, details of his life appear in the book of Acts in chapter 16, specifying the relationship of efficient mentoring, which led to an evident friendship between Paul and Timothy, along with other beloved disciples.

It is of great value to note that in the Bible we find the two letters written by the Apostle Paul to Timothy. The power of the Holy Spirit is observed in them; in order to get the spiritual strength in the physical weaknesses that we experience as human beings. Therefore, we always need each other to follow the path to eternal life in which our names have been written.

Everything aforementioned teaches us that Paul and Timothy achieved a fraternal alliance, where Timothy was an excellent collaborator, assistant, companion, and disciple of Paul; with holy purposes full of hope, comfort, support and love, especially towards the body of the Lord, "The Church." They achieved leadership, reprimands, and commitment amongst everyone. It is said that together they became father and son experiencing the good and bad and that they developed a genuine friendship in order to know how to endure and teach through the trials and joys of faith in God, evident and common between both.

For this reason, what Proverbs 17:17 tells us came to mind, "A friend loves at all times, and is like a brother in time of trouble." Surely Paul and Timothy learned friendship in the brotherhood of Christ, when, in the opportunities and difficulties along the way, they complemented each other in what they said and did for the service of the Lord Jesus Christ, and accompanied each other to the end.

In my experience, from 2001 to 2018, I lived for the glory of God, a story of real and pure friendship in faith with my sister Ysabel Dávila. A selfless and precious servant woman of the Lord with a valuable and noble mind, believer of a living and authentic God, He delighted in her. I knew my sister back then as Ysa. She and I were born again almost together in the same congregation and with very similar expectations; from there we began the most beautiful path of conviction and learning.

Together we learned from each other to know the great will of the Father in the light of the Word. We saw our husbands, children, and siblings grow in faith and gifts. We shared joys and sorrows. We traveled to women's conventions, we shared our struggles, we called each other on the phone daily, we studied the Word in personal and group discipleships, we cooked together, we visited the sisters, we gave Sunday classes to the children. We celebrated everyone's birthdays and, with great joy, the fifteenth-year birthday parties of her beautiful Marbella and my beautiful Crismarie (today, both graduated for the service of the Father in Christ Jesus, one at Baxter and the other at EQEB—schools of preaching with their families). These things happened, not by chance but on purpose, prayed for in advance for one another, and not only that, being in agreement with God and in our hearts, also many times we distributed church brochures in the squares, parks, hospitals, and around the church building, all as a family and in harmony, remembering Psalm 133:1.
When I got married and God gave me my second child, she was always there in prayer and support; also recognized as the most affectionate sister of all. My children called her aunt and her children did the same. Without a doubt, this is how our genuine friendship arose, in analogy to the probable relationship between Paul and Timothy.

When I look back on this part of my life, I thank the Heavenly Father for Ysa. She departed into the presence of God on February 23, 2018; an event that filled me with a particular emptiness, because I found in her characteristics very similar to mine at that time of my life, as it was for Timothy in Paul.

She not only left tears and infinite teachings in me, but in the whole congregation, for her fervent love in and for God at all times. Even in her last days, she worshiped and served the Lord. This is how I understood the pain that the apostle Paul left among the brothers and especially Timothy, but I know that he was strengthened in God and in the Holy Spirit as I did in that physical loss of my beloved sister Ysa, whose name means “dedicated to God” in Hebrew.

I am sure that we all develop godly friendship in this way, useful and very necessary in the church, to love one another (1 John 4:7).

Within your life in Christ Jesus, beloved sister, are you like Timothy? Have you loved your sisters as Paul loved Timothy? Do you believe that friendship is a gift from God?

#IronRoseSister #HIStories #friendship #mentors #discipleship #mentorship #HolySpirit #JesusasMentor #guestwriter #blog

Co-authored by Michelle J. and Chrystal Goff, sisters by birth and Iron Rose Sisters in Arkansas

Luke 1:39-45 reveals the automatic reactions that Elizabeth, John the Baptist, and Mary had upon greeting each other. Their shouts of worship came as an overflow of the Spirit within them.

Elizabeth uttered an immediate exclamation of praise.
John the Baptist leapt from joy within his mother’s womb.
The expression of Mary’s soul was a song.

46 And Mary said,
“My soul magnifies the Lord,
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.
For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
49 for he who is mighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his name.
50 And his mercy is for those who fear him
from generation to generation.
51 He has shown strength with his arm;
he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts;
52 he has brought down the mighty from their thrones
and exalted those of humble estate;
53 he has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
54 He has helped his servant Israel,
in remembrance of his mercy,
55 as he spoke to our fathers,
to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”
(Luke 1:46-55)

When is the last time you have witnessed a spontaneous spirit of worship?

Sunday morning, a young voice was heard above everyone else’s. It was slightly off rhythm and minorly out of key, but no one cared. Anyone that turned around to find the unbridled source of praise was delighted to see that this young lady was worshipping with all her heart, soul, mind, and strength. Her voice announced as her soul proclaimed, “I am a chiiiiild ooof God, yes Iiiii ammmm!.” Her arms waved as she twirled. Her grands and parents to either side were not at all embarrassed by her worship, or this little ballerina using them as a landing for her pirouette. Her heart and soul and mind burst with love for her LORD! Nothing. Else. Mattered.
We were drawn to her spirit of worship and the joy she radiated. Her spirit inspired everyone around her to join her in worship.

I (Chrys) hum to the flowers and veggies in my garden rejoicing to the LORD for His provisions. I do not sing to the weeds, but they eavesdrop as I disentangle them from choking this season’s intended harvest. The plants that wither, or are overcome by insects are still something to praise God for. He gives and takes away but has promised to provide our daily bread, a promise and perspective I’m reminded to thank God for when I’m stifled by the pppppaaaaaiiiinnnfuuuullllllness of pruning.

Thankfully, God is the master gardener, He is meticulous and delicate as His fingers weave through our personalities and stubbornness and fear to clip what no longer or never served Him. I’ve found joy in discovering the healing powers and nutritional properties of plants. He created us to be His vessels; nurturing my vessel with His Word and His produce are one way I honor and worship Him. I love creating flavors and blending spices as a way of sharing what I’ve learned about my Creator in His creation.

Before I was careful to follow Christ closely, the songs that looped in my mind weren’t bringing glory to my Father. Sick beats with subliminal rhymes seeped into my brain, steeping. Only when I turned my eyes to YHWH did I learn to listen to the whisper, to the melodies of a breeze, to harmonize in my heart for The God who sees. My aspirations for worship are modeled after Mary’s Magnificat, if each day my praises freely sing, “My soul magnifies the Lord.”

Through her song, Mary’s Magnificat longed to magnify the Savior’s glory. She knew that it was all about Him and not her. Thankfulness and humility exuded from her tongue, a pronouncement of God’s faithfulness and mercy. She declared His eternal blessings, inviting others to remember His actions and promises.

May our lives be an act of worship today, magnifying the Lord that others may see Him and praise our Father who is in heaven.

How have you been inspired to worship?

How can you inspire others to worship, like Elizabeth, John the Baptist, Mary, or my sister?

#IronRoseSister #HIStories #Mary #worship #magnificat #magnifytheLord #spiritofworship #MichelleGoff #sistercoauthor #blog

Written by Alicia González, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Austin, TX

I was born in a beautiful place. Michoacán is considered the soul of Mexico. Across the entire area, one can appreciate the cultural feel and the richness of the town that preserves its traditions and customs, as well as the architectural beauty, combined with its history, on each street, in each person, through each festival, food, and colorful artisanship.

At the age of 14, I started to realize that those colors were turning gray. It appeared that they were not as vibrant as when I saw them as a child. Sometimes, when I saw the arduous work of the women that lived far from the city, I would ask myself if I could develop wings like a butterfly and escape. The women’s suffering, in places where the belief is that women are only to have children and take care of her husband, I came to think that God was unjust and that He didn’t love everyone equally, even though I knew that God existed.

One morning, I went down to the river, as I always did, and I saw a woman who was eight months pregnant, crying over the physical and psychological abuse from her husband. Her tears fell and were carried away by the river’s current. There, in that precise moment, I felt that my life came to a stop. I told myself: I will not get married. I do not want to continue the pattern of women from my town. Can the chains of generational abuse be broken? I asked myself if any other men and women existed, ones different from the ones that I had always known.

I didn’t know that in that same moment, there was a beautiful woman who, without knowing God, prayed through her motherly anxiety, asking Him to give her son a good wife. Who would’ve thought that I would be that wife, the one who thought she wasn’t going to marry.

Years later, I arrived in Austin, Texas, where I met God. He taught me that we can live a new life. In 2007, I gave my life to God. From that point on, I wanted everyone around me to know that a different way of life than the one many had been taught was possible, because we all have special value to God. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from, the suffering will be less heavy because we are no longer alone.

2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”

God allowed me to find a wonderful man in that city. I felt like Ruth when I started working where he worked because he was special, a wise young man, even before knowing the gospel. Without a doubt, God had already chosen him to serve in His work. I remember that I was still studying at church and I had not yet been baptized. Even still, I was sharing with him about the Word of God. He was baptized a year after I was. We dated for three years and our dates were to go out and evangelize with the preacher. Beautiful moments, and here we are, 13 years later, happily married and with a beautiful son who also prays, sings, and loves to help others.

God’s plans and times are perfect. Jesus Christ’s sacrifice helped me understand God’s great love for all those who choose to follow Him. And, of course He can break the generational chains. He can give new life. Yes! There are men and women capable of changing life for an entire generation!

After my life changed, I became part of the church, along with my husband’s family, including my mother-in-law, who now is also part of the family doing the Lord’s work.

How many lives can be changed through one person that comes to Christ? The work you are doing now will have its reward.

Dear sister, keep fighting and keep believing.

This is how God changed my life!! And now my eyes see. “My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you” (Job 42:5).

#IronRoseSister #HIStories #resurrection #newlife #guestwriter

Written by Beliza Patricia, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Joao Pessoa, Brazil.

In Brazil we have an expression: “But I’m also a son/daughter of God!”

Usually, people will say this after spending more money than they should, or after reacting badly to a situation. In other words, they will use this expression in an indirect way, when what’s really being said is: “Because I am a child of God, I have certain rights…”

The fact is that not everybody is a son/daughter of God, even though we are all His creation. And indeed, His children receive privileges, but none of it is because of our own merits. So how do I know if I am a child of God or not?

“But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.”(John 1:12-13)

What makes us children of God is the belief in Jesus Christ. It is receiving Him as Lord and Savior of our lives. And the truth is that God was the one who made all of this possible.

While some people will use the expression “I am a son/daughter of God” as a fundamental and inalienable right, the Bible tells us something different.

“among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.”(Eph. 2:3)

Sin pushes us away from God. We were deserving of God’s wrath because we disobeyed. We didn’t obey His will. But God’s love is so immeasurable that through Jesus, He saved us! And there’s more! There was nothing we could do to obtain that through our own efforts.

Through Jesus, He redeemed us: He resurrected us and promised us eternal life while we were dead in our transgressions. He justified us: He declared we were righteous even though we didn’t deserve it. He adopted us: He received legally as His children, part of His family. Adoption is a blessing decreed by God.

The adopted ones receive guidance, instruction, protection, correction, and safeguarding from God. And one last gift that is so important: He gives us eternal life.

Try to comprehend how big God’s love is for us: He could give us eternal life through Jesus and still reserve for us the role of being just servants. That would already demonstrate mercy from Him. But He does more than that!

We cannot forget that our adoption into God’s family happens only by His grace, not by our works. But what we receive freely had a high cost for God.

“But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.”(Gal. 4:4-5)

Redemption is a rescue that means obtaining or freeing, upon the payment of a price. Our adoption was very costly to God. It cost His Son’s life. Yes, Jesus had rights, but He never sinned (1 Pet. 1:22). Through Him all things were created (Col. 1:16). Without Him nothing would have been made (John 1:3). And yet, because He loved us, He emptied Himself and became like us to pay the price for our sins (Phil. 2:6-8). We can never forget that free adoption for us was costly to God.

I said that the adoption (that is undeserved) gives us privileges. Some of the privileges for those adopted by God are:

• Having a Father/son or Father/daughter relationship with God. (1 John 3:1)
• Knowing God takes care of our necessities. (Matt. 6:32)
• Knowing God blesses us (Matt. 7:11)
• Being guided by the Holy Spirit (Rom. 8:14)
• Being disciplined by God (yes, discipline is a privilege!) (Heb. 12:6)

And returning to the famous phrase: “But I am also a son/daughter of God!”, those who claim to be sons and daughters must remember that the adoption as His children comes with a transformation guided by the Holy Spirit. Our actions, our thoughts, desires, words, everything is modified when we become children of God. Our behavior must be like our Heavenly Father’s (Eph. 5:1).

“For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith.”(Gal. 3:26)

Written by Beliza Patrícia, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in João Pessoa, Brazil.

It is said that the first step is the most important one on the journey. What we do before waking up says a lot about our day. We dress up fancy for a first date because we know the impact that moment will have in our relationship. The first step itself does not determine the whole journey, but it’s a fact that it is important and special.

That’s also what happens in the Christian life, whether you were born in a christian household and were exposed to the gospel at a young age or you only learned about the path to salvation when you were already an adult. The fact is, everybody faces the choice of being a christian, a disciple of Christ. That doesn’t happen as if from magic, we all have habits and temptations that pull us closer and further away from God. Overcoming those is not an easy task and asks for though choices from us, big or small. But this journey starts with baptism.

Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:37-38)

After listening to Peter’s sermon during Pentecosts, the Jews understood what they had done. They recognized they needed to do something, change their attitude. Peter’s guidelines were clear, they needed to repent and be baptized. That moment, where three thousand people are baptized is considered the beginning of the church. If we read the following verses we can see that some people changed their way of living. Meaning, baptism was not just a ceremony, baptism marked the beginning of a new life. Sin no longer had power over those people, over their thoughts and actions. They were free! Free to become more and more like Jesus.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. (2 Corinthians 5:17)

When I speak with people getting closer to the Church their opinion is most usually that baptism is only a symbol, not something that important, what really matters is doing the will of God daily. I would like to shed some light on that idea through scripture:

After resurrection, Jesus told his disciples:

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit [...] (Mateus 28:19)

Jesus sent his apostles to every nation to make disciples, His followers, and the way to make disciples was clear, through baptism.

I recognize there’s willingness to want to do God’s will, but the truth is: we can’t do it alone. The Bible shows us that we can’t be saved by anything we do. Sin parts us from God and it’s consequence is spiritual death, have our spirit far away from our Creator. Only through Christ, who sacrificed for us even though he had no sin, we can be saved. And the way to connect to Christ is through baptism.

Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.
For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. For one who has died has been set free from sin. Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. (Romanos 6:3-8)

Baptism doesn’t need a specific day, doesn’t need to be done in group, doesn’t need to be on a specific place (see Acts 8:36-38). But it does need a heart that believes Jesus is the son of God. That in that moment when we accept Jesus paid the debt for our sins we receive the Holy Spirit of God in us and that at that moment we’re starting a new life. It is through faith (in Jesus Christ) and not because of our own actions that we are saved.

If you’ve already made the decision to start a pact with God and be baptized for forgiveness of your sins receiving the Holy Spirit, I want to invite you to remember that day. Remember all the bible studies that led you to that decision, the brothers and sisters in Christ that were with you on that day…and may that memory bring you strength and encouragement! You are a new creature! Keep following the goal! If you haven’t made that decision yet, I want to invite you to study what the bible says about who Jesus is and who you are, and you’ll be ready to start your journey with Christ.

#IronRoseSister #HIStories #Baptism #GuestWriter #Blog

Written by Corina Díaz, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Argentina

There are few things we know about Bathsheba beyond her beauty, her marital status, and that she became the mother of Solomon:

“One evening David got up from his bed and walked around on the roof of the palace. From the roof he saw a woman bathing. The woman was very beautiful.” (2 Sam. 11:2)

“When Uriah’s wife heard that her husband was dead, she mourned for him.” (2 Sam. 11:26)

If you don’t know this story, I encourage you to read the whole thing in 2 Samuel chapters 11 and 12. Yet, I want you to recognize these two points:

• Bathsheba always found grace in the eyes of King David.
• Even though her destiny was not the one she had dreamed of, God crowned her as the mother of King Solomon.

In order to become the mother of Solomon, Bathsheba had to suffer two losses, Uriah and her son. In less than a year’s time, she lost her husband and a son, in the middle of a war. However, she did not have the slightest idea of God’s purpose in her life. At the end of her days, she sat at the right hand of the king.

1 Kings 2:19, “When Bathsheba went to King Solomon to speak to him for Adonijah, the king stood up to meet her, bowed down to her and sat down on his throne. He had a throne brought for the king’s mother, and she sat down at his right hand.”

Have you ever been in the most difficult moment in your life and you cannot even imagine what God has planned for you?

I cannot count the number of times that this has played out repeatedly in my life, like a constant cycle. When I see the darkness, God has prepared a brilliant sun under which His grace is reborn!

“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” (2 Cor. 12:9)

#IronRoseSister #HIStories #unfinished #incompletestory #workinprogress #guestwriter #blog

Written by Victoria Mendoza, volunteer with Ministerio Hermana Rosa de Hierro in Texas

I remember the cold December dawn in the year 2000. Together with my family, I left my house and traveled to another country. My mother-in-law was ill, and I needed to take her a dialysis treatment and assist the family by taking care of her. I was pleased to take care of her.

I felt sad leaving my own parents and siblings, with doubts about what it would be like to live in a strange country. But I was content because I said it was only for a time. Daily, things got more complicated for my mother-in-law, and she needed even more care. The treatments left her feeling weak and it seemed like my return grew further and further away. Many things came to mind and what hurt the most was feeling that my parents were so far away. I was frightened to think that I might not ever see them again.

I prayed to God that He would give me the strength and wisdom to continue. And I prayed that He would guide my children on a good path in such a large city.

At work, my son met a nice, hardworking young woman with a heart of service to others. She is now his wife and together they have formed a beautiful family, granting me the blessing of having another grandson. She introduced him to the gospel, which he obeyed. And even while they were dating, they taught my older daughter and her husband, who were also baptized. They have three children that are also already baptized. I was thrilled to see how God had transformed those who had decided to follow Him.

Every step of our lives has a purpose. Why we moved to another country, only God knew the plans He had for me… and they were to allow my family to come to Christ’s feet and that I too would obey Him.

Change is often not pleasant because they imply many things like: separation from your immediate family in order to form your own family, a new job, new friends, new schools. It reminds us that we are pilgrims on this earth.

“By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.” (Heb. 11:8)

With our human minds, it is terrifying to think about leaving home, without knowing where we are going. Questions are raised like: What will I do since I don’t know anyone? Who will I go to if I need help? Who will comfort us during difficult times? What will happen to my family if I die?

Even though we know that God can protect us and help us, no matter the circumstances, we don’t know what will have to suffer during our lifetime. While we are in this world, we will suffer, which is where our faith will be put to the test. We are not sure what we will come across in our future, but we know Who is in charge of the future.

“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” (Heb. 11:1)

God doesn’t want us to see this world as our permanent home because He has something better prepared for us. He encourages us to see the future as Abraham did: “For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God” (Heb. 11:10).

Twenty-two years have passed and now I understand clearly that my faith has been strengthened throughout my life. I know that God will continue working in me and that, just as He was with Abraham, He will be with me. How wonderful to know that I am among his descendants!

“And so from this one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore.” (Heb. 11:12)

My dear sister and friend, only faith in God can sustain us in the most difficult moments of your life. You will continue trusting and believing in spite of the pain and the battles that you face every day. I have been through many trials, but God has never let me go from His hand and He always tells me that He is there. And, even though the path we must traverse is full of danger from illness or tribulations, we will continue standing because we trust in the same God of Abraham who faced the most difficult trial of his life: Offer his son as a sacrifice (Gen. 22).

Since Isaac was born after the many years his father and mother had waited and longed for his birth, he became their most precious treasure. Amid their joy, Abraham received the command to take his son and offer him as a sacrifice. Can you imagine how Abraham felt in his heart at being asked to sacrifice his son? Do we love our children as much as Abraham and Sarah loved theirs? What do you believe they would’ve felt what they said goodbye to Sarah, the mother? What about the feelings Isaac held in his heart when he said bye to his mom before a three-day trip to the place where he was to be sacrificed?

After walking for three days, the time had come. Upon hearing these words from his son, we can imagine this was one of the saddest days of Abraham’s life:

“Isaac spoke up and said to his father Abraham, “Father?”
“Yes, my son?” Abraham replied.
“The fire and wood are here,” Isaac said, “but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?”” (Gen. 22:7)

In those moments, Abraham could’ve lost his faith, but he didn’t because he trusted in the same God that you and I trust even in the most difficult of circumstances in our lives and when it seems that there is nothing more that we can do, like when there is a terminal illness or when someone has lost everything.

“Abraham answered, “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” And the two of them went on together.” (Gen. 22:8)

Abraham believed and God provided. Therefore, sister and friend, no matter what you are going through, God will provide.

#IronRoseSister #HIStories #Abraham #faith #trust #guestwriter

Written by Johanna Zabala, volunteer with Ministerio Hermana Rosa de Hierro in Ecuador

When I decided to be born again by the baptism of water and the Spirit, I recognized it as a biblical privilege and mandate (according to John 3:1-15 and as the Lord says through the apostle Peter in Acts 2:38). I received, in that moment of faith, the gift of the Holy Spirit that beautifully fills us with marvelous and divine capacities to continue fulfilling His holy commandments.

Later, I was converted and chosen as a believer, pupil, daughter, and apprentice of the Master. Jesus is also known as our Guide or Mentor. Through Him, I found so many reasons to learn that gave meaning and a precise spiritual turn in my life.

Finding within His beautiful instructions the greatest command read and reflected specifically in Matthew 22:37-39, where Jesus said, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.” I started from there to build a firm starting point in Him.

Love your neighbor as yourself implies care. The continuous teaching toward mentoring, education or discipleship (personal and community) in the Holy Spirit, and everyone growing in the word of God, towards the discovery of the Father's will. Jesus, the Lord, commands and encourages us at all times to search and study the Scriptures (Jn. 5:39 and 2 Tim. 3:16-17) to be wise, teachers, prudent, and useful in His kingdom.

Therefore, in this act of unity, relationship and obedience in the Lord, I can manage to love my neighbor. This analogy proposes the essential objective of allowing us, in the love of God, to guard, guide and fulfill the divine instructions in Jesus Christ. It is achieved through the missionary guidance of the Holy Spirit, becoming ambassador daughters of the light of Christ in the world (2 Cor. 5:20 and Jn. 1:9).

And why love us? Because we were commissioned to extend the authority of the Lord everywhere, bringing the good news of salvation of the soul to eternal life, but it does not end there. We obey the need to be born again through baptism, since this step is the model of the gospel, in educating and keeping all the things He taught, strengthening the conviction that He will be with all His beloved obedient sons and daughters until the end of the world, contemplated in Matthew 28:18-20.

In the same way, during the development of the Christian life, one gains access to know how to thank the footprints of Christ. Likewise, these footprints are the best race of eternal life that we have had to live from the love of God in each heart among sisters. First John 4:7 and 8 says, “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” And these verses guide us to the attention and value that He has for each one of us.

Therefore, today as a princess and daughter of King Jesus Christ and as a woman of faith, I was able to understand at the same time the importance and value of Love and the Holy Spirit within me and within you, beloved sister.

Recognizing with all your heart and according to the Spirit of God, one learns, as a sacred purpose, to live what is expressed in Galatians 2:20. “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

Are we prepared? I think we are, now that we are aware of God’s Holy Spirit and we constantly remember that it is our Christian duty as mentors to teach and disciple one another in the Way. Knowing how to instruct, guide and advise in the Holy Spirit is important; educating in holiness, to renew the strength of God, motivating support among brothers, supporting, helping each other, and bringing the blessing of the Lord in all circumstances.

For that reason, my loved ones, let's go forward together as mentors, guides, educators and advisers of good; since within the call of the gospel is the power of salvation (Rom. 1:16). Through mentoring, we spiritually guide as servants approved and prepared for every good work, as 2 Timothy 3:17 says.

In short, let us remain on the same page moving forward, encouraged, joyful, and very consistent in the Holy Spirit of God that guides and instructs us, in such a way that we can guide others. Let's bloom always!

Are you willing?

#IronRoseSister #HIStories #mentor #mentorship #discipleship #HolySpirit #Christianduty #JesusasMentor #guestwriter #blog

Written by Liliana Henriquez, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Colombia

It is curious to see how God can use ANY person to bless us and fulfill His will. Furthermore, I believe that God delights in exposing all of His creativity in putting together all the pieces of the puzzle of our lives. He encourages encounters, delays encounters, prevents falls, and allows falls… in short, like any artist, He is inspired and makes sure that the masterpiece is unique and special. God delights in the process; He is not in a hurry.

Almost 5 years ago, when my family and I had just moved from Venezuela to Colombia, God put several key people in our path who, despite the fact that they did not profess our same faith, or at least not in the same way, were that Rahab who protected us and "saved" our lives, so to speak. Those people cared for us; they gave us essential things like mattresses, kitchen utensils, sheets, coats, food, among other things to start our new life in Colombia.

When reading the story of Rahab, the first question that comes to mind is this: Why would the spies enter into the house of a prostitute? I mean, the house of someone who apparently did not have the same faith they had.

Would it have been an explicit command of God? Or was it just a coincidence?
I do not know. Maybe the spies didn't know whose house they were hiding in, but I'm sure God did.

This is one of those chance encounters that God allows for His great purpose to happen. The spies found in Rahab a woman who knew Jehovah and Rahab found in the spies a confirmation of the God she had already been hearing about. This meeting allowed Him to affirm: “…The Lord your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below” (Josh. 2:11b NIV).

I wonder, what would have happened to the lives of the spies if they had not found Rahab. Perhaps the king would have caught them.

What would have become of Rahab's spiritual life had she not met the spies? Perhaps she would not have had a chance to be redeemed.

What would have happened to me and my family if we had not found those special people who helped us in our beginnings as immigrants? Perhaps it would have cost us much more to make a life in this country.

Let's not underestimate the chance encounters we have throughout our lives; we don't know if they are an angel sent by God to bless us.

Dear sister, today I want you to remember that our lives are a beautiful symphony of God, composed of different rhythms and melodies that avoid monotony and boredom; and encourage dependence and devotion to God. Let's fully enjoy this experience called LIFE, with all the kinds of encounters it can bring.

#IronRoseSister #HIStories #redeemed #chanceencounters #angelunawares #Godsprovision #guestwriter #blog

Written by Corina Díaz, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Argentina

To talk about creativity, I would like us to think of two main ideas:

1. The word creativity comes from the Latin creare, which means to make something new, to shape something or to produce it.

2. We have a Creator God (creative), who created the universe and everything in it (Gen. 1)

These ideas are combined in that we have a creative God and we were created in His image and likeness, so we are creative beings, each one to a different extent according to the gifts we have received.

We don't need to be great designers or architects to think about creativity in a broader way, we just need to be filled with the Spirit of God to manifest what God has done in us.

Let's look at an example of this:
“Then the Lord said to Moses, “See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills— to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of crafts. Moreover, I have appointed Oholiab son of Ahisamak, of the tribe of Dan, to help him. Also I have given ability to all the skilled workers to make everything I have commanded you.”
(Ex. 31:1-6)

Bezalel and Aholiab were endowed with the skill of craftsmen, and above all with creative ability in the work of God, they used this talent for the kingdom of God. Have you ever wondered what your most creative way and gift is? How could you place it in the service of God?

In chapter 36 of Exodus, I want to highlight verse 2:
"Then Moses summoned Bezalel and Oholiab and every skilled person to whom the Lord had given ability and who was willing to come and do the work."

Do you feel impelled in the work of God? Don't worry if you don't know how, if this is your prayer, I can assure you that God is already working on this!

#IronRoseSister #HIStories #Creator #creativity #gifts #talents #guestwriter #blog

Written by Deanna Brooks, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Arkansas

“By faith” is repeated over and over in Hebrews 11 as the writer mentions people like us who were pleasing to God. Hebrews 12:1,2 follows with: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”

When I read this, I think of a track meet. Perhaps the writer had in mind the story of the Athenian courier Pheidippides who, in 490 BC, ran from the site of the Battle of Marathon to Athens with the message of Nike (‘Victory’) before promptly collapsing and dying.

In the days before telegraph and telephone a runner would be dispatched to carry news of an important battle back to the commander.

“Run with endurance” is an important phrase. “Endurance” means the ability or strength to continue despite fatigue, stress, or other adverse conditions… no matter how tired or whatever else was happening.

Endurance was needed for the runner… and likewise, we have a race to run and need endurance. Encouragement enhances endurance, and that is why the “cloud of witnesses” is so important.

Why do you think the writer of Hebrews tells us about the cloud of witnesses? In addition to encouragement, I see reassurance and confidence in God’s promises as some of the reasons.

As disciples of Jesus the Christ, we are running the most important race in the world: a race to protect our souls from Satan.

When I look at the people listed in Hebrews 11, I wonder why certain ones are mentioned and others are left out. There are names listed as people of faith that I probably would not have included, like Jephthah. Perhaps they are listed to reassure us of God’s mercy and remind us of the forgiveness when our heart is turned towards Him. Their names also remind us that one decision, no matter how bad, does not destroy our relationship with God forever.

When I think of the cloud of witnesses, I add in the names of my loved ones who encouraged me while they were living, and those memories continue to encourage me now.

All of us who have gone to sporting events remember the cheering that is part of those events. Track meets have people in the stands yelling, “Keep on! You can do it! Hang in there!” We have seen our children glance over into the stands and catch a second wind when they see us cheering for them.

Life can be hard. It can bring the unexpected. It can bring heartache. It can bring suffering. This comes because we live in a fallen world, ruled by Satan.

Jesus told His disciples in John 16:33, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

We need encouragement. Throughout Scripture we are told of people who encouraged. Aaron and Hur held up the hands of Moses during a battle. Jonathan encouraged David when King Saul was trying to kill him. Naaman’s slave girl encouraged him to wash in the Jordan River. Barnabas was called “Son of Encouragement” …and because he did not give up on John Mark, we have the beautiful gospel of Mark.

When my sons were preschoolers, I made an 8-foot Bible timeline and put it on the wall above our couch. As I told them lessons from the Bible, I would show them when it occurred. At the end of the timeline, I put the cloud of witnesses and included family members that they heard us talk about but never knew. I would tell my sons about the godly lives of faith of those who had gone before and how their example of faithfulness was an encouragement to me growing up.

The encouragement from the “cloud of witnesses” from Scripture or our cherished memories of family gives us strength to remain faithful and finish our race.

Jesus said in John 12:31: “Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out.”

In 2 Corinthians 4:4 Satan is referred to as “the god of this world.”

In 1529 Martin Luther penned these words to his hymn “A Mighty Fortress”:

“And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us. We will not fear, for God has willed his truth to triumph through us.”

God’s power is greater than Satan, and we have the example of those who have gone before us in faith and won the VICTORY!

1 John 5:4 “And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.”

The “cloud of witnesses” that encourages us because of their faith will be waiting to cheer as we hear our Redeemer say, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” (Matt. 25:23), and we enter into the joys of an eternal relationship with our Heavenly Father.

#IronRoseSister #HIStories #cloudofwitnesses #Hebrews #endurance #encouragement #guestwriter #blog

Written by Estefanía Medrano, Iron Rose Sister Ministries volunteer in El Salvador

A few days ago, I left my home country to visit my family in the United States. I thought that I could take advantage of the trip and work parttime in order to gain experience and earn some income. So, I started a job search. I found an opening at a restaurant, so I called and asked if they were still hiring. They answered that they were and scheduled an interview that same afternoon since they were desperate to hire new personnel. I decided to go, seeking God’s blessing.

The interview was a total success. I agreed with everything they were asking me to do. The schedule was perfect. It was a great opportunity. They told me to come the next day and to purchase a specific outfit and shoes. I left right away, fully ready to learn and do my best.

When I arrived, I introduced myself to a different manager than the one who had interviewed me the day before. This person started to ask for documentation that authorized me to work in the country. However, I did not have it. I was not prepared to provide documentation of that type because the person who interviewed me forgot to ask me if I had it. I never imagined that it was necessary, and I knew that I did not have it, since my stay was not permanent.

At that moment that person, very ashamed, told me that they could not hire me because it was an essential requirement and apologized for not having told me during the interview. Smiling, I told him that there was no problem, that I totally understood. I said goodbye with a handshake and left the place. When I walked through the door, the tears rolled down my cheeks inadvertently, and then I pondered what had happened.

I had never thought about the value of the citizenship of a country, and the rights that it grants to the citizen. At the same time, I was reminded of the most important citizenship that exists, our citizenship in heaven. I will never forget the first thing that came to mind when I left that restaurant. I wondered how I will feel or what it will be like when I am in the presence of God, and He calls His chosen ones to His right side to live an eternity with Him—for those chosen ones to have a guaranteed citizenship in heaven, with all the benefits that it affords. But for those who do not have it, they will not have that pass and will not be allowed to enter. The humiliation will be great, and the weeping will be eternal. I don't think anyone wants to go through that humiliating moment when God tells some that they cannot go and live with Him for eternity.

“But to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared.” (Mark 10:40, NIV)

“For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come.” (Heb. 13:14)

The difference between this and my work experience is that we know that we are striving to obtain that citizenship and obtain all its rights and benefits.

“But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Phil. 3:20)

That hope must be accompanied by the effort to achieve it because it is a unique place.

“And into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you.” (1 Pet. 1:4)

Can you imagine that great day, dear sister, the day that every Christian hopes his/her name will be called by our heavenly Father? When your name that is written in the book of life is called, it will allow you to enter the heavenly city, because you belong to that place. You are a legitimate citizen, and you will be able to enjoy everything that is there for an eternity.

The day I showed up for work and they told me they couldn't hire me, I felt bad and somewhat humiliated, but then with a more relaxed mind, I understood and accepted that it was fine because the restaurant had policies and rules and I couldn't change them. Then, I remembered the words in Revelation...

“Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.” (Rev. 21:27)

God also has rules or requirements, and we cannot go against them. On that great day of judgment, we will have to be aware of our actions, of our profile as Christians. And if our life has aligned with what God requires in His life manual, which is His holy Word, we will be worthy of that great reward.

That is why, sister, I invite you to join me in daily remembering to maintain our focus on eternity, by always thinking about our true citizenship and the privilege of entering that glorious city, where we will be legitimate citizens and enjoy eternity with the King.

Written by Deanna Brooks, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Arkansas

“I believe Jesus is the Christ, the promised Messiah, the Son of the Living God.”

We make that confession or something similar before we are immersed for remission of sins, and we come out of the water to live a new life, filled with the Holy Spirit according to Acts 2:38 and Romans 6:4.

In confessing Jesus as the Christ, we are yielding our lives to His control where He is the ultimate Power and Authority in our lives. We have turned our lives over to Jesus, knowing He is walking with us as we face the ups and downs of life.

In 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (ESV) Paul wrote, “…your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So, glorify God in your body.”

When we choose to confess Jesus, it means we reevaluate what success means. It means we have a different way of thinking about life. We no longer make decisions based on our wants. Our decisions reflect our Savior. We speak and act differently from the world.

Paul tells us in Colossians 3:1-5: “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.”

Think about that…Christ is our life, and we will appear with Him in glory!

Because of this confession, people leave the life of sin dominated by Satan. Thieves no longer steal; the immoral change the way they view others and pursue a life of purity; the liar seeks to speak truth, and all who confess will see the Almighty as HOLY, HOLY, HOLY… all because they have turned their life over to Jesus the Christ. We remember John’s words, “He that is in you is greater than he that is in the world,” (1 John 4:4 ESV) as we face the ups and downs of life.

Life happens, and even though WE are changed, circumstances around us may not be changed, and that sometimes creates problems as we try to walk with Jesus. Satan continues to roam the earth, looking for our weaknesses, seeking whom he may devour (1 Pet. 5:8.)

This confession is something we renew daily… we continue to confess Jesus is the Christ by the life we live… in little things that are part of everyday life… as well as bigger things that have long-term consequences.

When I’m struggling, it helps to think back to when I made that confession. Do you remember what was whirling through your mind? For me, I was a few months past my 12th birthday, and I remember a mixture of fear and joy. I realized I was making a lifetime decision, but I didn’t know what the future would hold for that decision or what kind of struggles I might face. The joy came from realizing I was a child of God, adopted by Him, and Jesus was my Brother (Heb. 2:11.)

This confession does not prevent sin from entering our lives, but the apostle John wrote, “But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” (1 John 2:1).

Jesus tells us in John 14:6 that He is the Way, Truth, Life… and no one comes to the Father but by Him, and later in 1 John 4:15 we read, “Everyone who confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him and he in God.”

The culture around us may change and see evil (sin) as good. Long ago Isaiah wrote, “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil” (5:20.) This is part of our struggle.

This confession leads to baptism for remission of sins which puts us into God’s family… we are children of the Creator… we have a Brother, our Advocate, to stand beside us.

The day is coming when “so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Phil. 2:10-11).

At that time, we will rejoice, because we have lived our lives confessing Jesus as the Christ!

#IronRoseSister #HIStories #confession #salvation #JesusisLord #yield #blog

Written by Michelle J. Goff, Founder and Director of Iron Rose Sister Ministries

“I never realized that God gave me my love for decorating as a reflection of His attention to detail and decorating, like in the temple and the curtains.”

A sister in Houston shared this revelation after a lesson I presented exploring the significance of the extravagant and huge curtain that hung between the Holy Place and the Holy of Holies in the temple. A handbreadth thick when it was torn at Jesus’ death on the cross, for God, it was more like a simple rip of a piece of thin paper.

Our God is Mighty. Our God is Merciful. Our God is Spirit. And our God is Creator.
Created in His image (Gen. 1:27), when we dwell in His Spirit and live as He has designed us to live, we can be mighty, merciful, Spirit-filled, and creative!

The fruit of the Spirit does not list creativity as a facet of His fruit (Gal. 5:22-23), yet I want you to take a moment and reflect on a time in which your creativity flowed in a way that could only be described as “inspired.” Where did that inspiration come from?

Makoto Fujimura, in his book Art and Faith: A Theology of Making, proposes that one of the most divine ways for non-believers to be introduced to God is through the arts. As Maker, God made us to make. As Creator, He created us to create. It is in that moment of creative making that we can build an in-depth connection with our Creator through His Spirit. Are we open to that? Do we recognize that opportunity?

Artists or “creatives” are more than just painters or sculptures. Some artists are culinary. Others are good with their hands and have a good eye for things like a seamstress or women who can “up-cycle” recycled items to design beautiful constructs.

My medium is words—a monologue, a poem, a Bible study, a lesson, a conversation, a song, or an expression. However, the best words have been creatively crafted by inspiration of the Holy Spirit and are not my own.

Bezalel and Oholiab (Ex. 31) were gifted in all kinds of craftsmanship. Kathy makes jewelry, Juana makes soaps, and Jocelynn makes lasagnas. Wendy creates websites, Molly creates spreadsheets, and Teresa creates connections. Jennifer designs curriculum, Mandy writes songs, and Pam gifts crocheted items. My sister, Chrys, creates vegan versions of recipes and shares them with others.

Every single woman listed delights in her craft and shares the fruit of her handiwork with others. When our creative gifts and passions are used in Kingdom contexts, we are filled with even more joy.

How have you been gifted to create? How can your creations be used to give God glory?

#IronRoseSister #HIStories #Creator #creativity #createdtocreate #artandfaith #gifts #talents #MichelleJGoff #blog

Written by Therese Martin, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Washington

My great-granddaughter Ava had been spending the day with “the Nanapapa”. That’s her name for us; not “Nana and Papa”, oh no! We are The Nanapapa, a sort of combined source of hugs and treats and vanilla ice cream. The day was over, and her daddy came to pick her up after work.

“Daddy!” she squealed, running full speed into his legs and wrapping her arms around his knees. He didn’t fall over; he just reached down and picked her up in a loving embrace. She started telling him about her day, and asking if they could stop at her favorite fast-food place on the way home. She was a happy little girl!

I started to wonder; as daughters of God, are we as excited about our Father in heaven as Ava was about her daddy? Spiritually speaking, how often do we do that? How often do we run excitedly towards God, our loving Father, our Abba…our Daddy? How often do we fling our arms around His knees and let Him know we’re so glad to be with him? To be able to bring Him our problems and just say how much we love Him?

As we age, our lives change. We aren’t little girls any more. We are young women, then new brides, then mothers, then busy women juggling full time work, school age children, and maybe caring for our parents. We’re so busy! Then we are older, with all the physical pain that sometimes brings, and often emotional pain as well. We can’t even imagine running!

When we think of ourselves as daughters of God, we forget that he is God of time and space as well as heaven and earth. When we talk to Him, it’s with all the burdens of our present, serious, grown-up selves. It’s the 40, or 50, or even 70-year-old self that comes to talk to her Father, not the four-year-old!

But to God, we are still the four-year-old! Fifty or sixty years was just a second ago. He doesn’t see the wrinkles or sagging skin. That’s just the outfit we are wearing at the moment. He sees the shiny new soul He just made a second ago. To Him, we are His precious little girl. He’s a very proud, excited father who loves to talk with us at every opportunity.

Let’s look at the Easy Reader’s Version of the New Testament for a simplified rendering of that important lesson from Jesus:
““And when you pray, don’t be like the people who don’t know God. They say the same things again and again. They think that if they say it enough, their god will hear them. Don’t be like them. Your Father knows what you need before you ask him. So this is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, we pray that your name will always be kept holy. We pray that your kingdom will come— that what you want will be done here on earth, the same as in heaven. Give us the food we need for today. Forgive our sins, just as we have forgiven those who did wrong to us. Don’t let us be tempted, but save us from the Evil One.’” (Matthew 6:6-13 ERV)

We have turned that simple process into a rote, memorized formula. What if we look at those principles of prayer from the perspective of a little girl who really loves her Daddy? What might it sound like? It wouldn’t be formal or serious, that’s for sure.

“Daddy, Daddy, Daddy! There you are! I missed you so much! I love you because you’re so awesome! I wish you were with me all the time so everyone could see you! I wish everyone loved you the way I do! I wish it so much!

Hey, can we get some fries on the way home? I’m really hungry. I want fries every day! Can we have fries every day? Pleeease? Oh, sorry, Daddy, did I step on your foot? I am so sorry I hurted you and gave you an owie, but I love how you always forgive me. I should do that for other people too, huh? Even when I gots an owie? Okay, Daddy, I’ll try. Oh, look, I almost stepped in that hole! Thank you, Daddy, for lifting me up so I didn’t fall. You always take good care of me. You are so wonderful and I love you so much! You’re the bestest daddy forever and ever!”

As we get caught up in the hassles of daily life, the demands on our time, family responsibilities, all the blocks and burdens of normal existence, do we forget who we really, really are? Don’t ever forget you’re Daddy’s little girl, who loves Him so very much and can’t wait till it’s time to go home for reals.

#IronRoseSister #HIStories #childofGod #OurHeavenlyFather #Daddysgirl #guestwriter #blog

Written by Jocelynn Goff, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Arkansas

Did you know Elijah suffered from depression? Elijah had numerous mountaintop experiences. Yet, he became depressed and had a low valley experience shortly after a significant mountaintop event.

First Kings 17-19, 21, and 2 Kings 1-2 tell the stories of Elijah. His list of mountaintop experiences in partnership with God include:

• Being fed by ravens and water from a brook during a drought.
• Praying for jars of flour and oil not to run out until rain comes again, and it happens.
• Raising a widow’s son to life.
• Challenging and winning the battle between Baal and the LORD God at Mt. Carmel.
• Hearing the people after the battle proclaim “The LORD – He is God! The LORD – He is God” (1 Kings 18: 39b).
• Praying for rain to return after a 3+ year drought and it happens.
• Running over 30 miles fast enough to beat a horse.

This is quite an impressive resume. Yet, immediately after all of this, when he heard the threats of Jezebel to take his life, he runs far away, actually over 100 miles. It is then we read, “I have had enough, LORD. Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors” (1 Kings 19:4b). He has run into the desert and sits under a broom tree. It is here he experiences a valley or wilderness experience. He is afraid for his life, exhausted in spirit, mind, and body, disappointed in his inability to keep Israel faithful to God, and plagued with feelings of being completely alone.

He has stepped into an extremely negative perspective of his life. Intellectually, we know as we read Elijah’s story that God is in control and yet we feel his pain, despair, and deep depression. God does not hide depression or mental illness in the stories of His characters in the Bible. James 5:17a tells us, “Elijah was a man just like us,” and we get to see his depression in this story. David, Moses, and Job were other faithful heroes who struggled with depression.

We can take comfort and learn from the overall story and lessons from Elijah’s valley of depression. Let’s consider what perpetuated his depression. First to consider, he hears a threat against his life and he’s afraid. He knows Jezebel and her ruthlessness so he knows this is a valid threat. His fear paralyzes him from any other thought so he runs.

Secondly, he’s exhausted. Often the energy involved in a mountaintop experience drains your reserves to fight off negative emotions and thought processes. Specifically, the Mt. Carmel battle lasted a full day. Then, after God’s success, he climbs to the top of Mt. Carmel to pray for rain. As soon as he hears there’s a small cloud, he sends word to Ahab but ends up running ahead of Ahab, who’s on horseback, over 30 miles to Jezreel. Additionally, he runs 100 miles after hearing the threat of Jezebel. I doubt he was merely plagued with shin splints after all that running. No, he was seriously exhausted!

As Elijah ran those 100 miles, he was running away from his community. In other words, he was isolating himself both physically and psychologically. This removed him from hearing any voice but his own that was quickly spiraling into negativity and depression. He began convincing himself that he was alone and the only one left, plagued with the futility of the task.

“I have been very zealous for the LORD God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected Your covenant, broken down Your altars, and put Your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too” (1 Kings 19:10).

What can we learn from Elijah’s experience with depression? First, God is there with Elijah and He will be with us. Elijah rightly presents his pain, frustration, and feelings of aloneness and worthlessness to God. God is the first one for us to share our burden.

God provided rest and nourishment for Elijah before anything else. He allowed him to sleep, then sends an angel to encourage him to “get up and eat” (1 Kings 19:5b). Elijah ate and slept again. Then “the angel of the LORD came back a second time and touched him and said, “get up and eat”, for the journey is too much for you” (1 Kings 19:7). Elijah complies with the instructions from the angel. We should look and listen to those messengers of truth through His Word—friendships, trusted spiritual guides, and mental health counselors can also be a needed resource. At times, medication is a useful and necessary tool, either for a temporary time period or longer term. A psychiatrist and mental health counselor are valuable sources for this assessment.

Elijah travels 40 days and 40 nights and sleeps in a cave. It is then that The LORD begins to speak to him. However, it isn’t spoken through a powerful wind, nor an earthquake, nor a fire but in a gentle whisper. Even though God spoke in an overt display of fire at Mt. Carmel, this time He speaks in a quiet way.

God begins by giving him a mission. He is to anoint certain kings and anoint Elisha as his successor. We all need a purpose in our life, something that helps motivate us each moment of each day. We also need a partner in the Gospel. Someone that encourages and reminds us of our common mission for our LORD. It is after giving him a purpose and Elisha as a partner in the Gospel that God refocuses his perspective with the truth that he is not alone. “Yet, I reserve seven thousand in Israel – all whose knees have now bowed down to Baal and all whose mouths have not kissed him” (1 Kings 19: 18).

Since, “Elijah was a man just like us” (James 5:17a) we can take note of not only that he suffered with depression but also recognize the signs of depression. Then, we can also learn through Elijah how the Presence of God gives rest, nourishment, mission, partnership, and assurances in the healing process.

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Written by Jocelynn Goff, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Arkansas

Waiting on God’s timing? His Perfect timing? Over and over again we are in seasons of waiting in our life. From the time we were little, we wait for the all-important events. Some that top the list are school to be out for the summer, a loose tooth to come out, Christmas, and our birthdays. Then as adults, we are still in the waiting game. It just seems as the stakes are bigger as we are waiting for a career after schooling, Mr. Right to come along, an Amazon order, the birth of a child, a health diagnosis, a promotion, a new apartment or home, a resolution to a relationship crisis, or all of the above, and sometimes all at the same time! The good, the bad, the long, the short all involve waiting and getting through the waiting. Many characters in the Bible have had their own seasons of waiting. Abraham, Noah, and Joseph are some of the first ones that come to mind. There are also women of the Bible that have this same life story. Elizabeth is one of these.

Elizabeth, wife of Zechariah and mother of John the Baptist, was in a lifelong season of waiting. What do we know about Elizabeth? The first thing we know is from Luke.
In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron. Both of them were upright in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commandments and regulations blamelessly. But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren; and they were both well along in years. (Luke 1:5-7)

For many of you reading this, you know personally the long season of uncertainty, rollercoaster emotions, and often painful waiting for a child to bless your marriage and life. We imagine Elizabeth also felt the emptiness, the stares, the whisperings, and questioning of why not me? While I grieve with you in your waiting and do not want to ignore your commonness of this season in Elizabeth’s life, I want to focus our attention on Elizabeth’s life while she was waiting because there is so much more to her story. So, what are those life lessons Elizabeth can teach us while we’re in seasons of waiting?

The first lesson in her story is of Faithfulness in Obedience. As we see both Elizabeth and her husband Zechariah were “upright in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commandments and regulations” (Luke 1:6). Whoa! This is even recognized by God as not-for-show but from their hearts. All of us can attest to the nobleness of this life and one we each strive for. Obedience can be easy if things are going well and the path is smooth. However, as we all know, we have moments of weariness in our waiting, which can lead to weakness in whose voice we listen to and obey. Another testimony of Elizabeth’s obedience was when it came time to name the baby. “But his mother spoke up and said, No! He is to be called John. They said to her, there is no one among your relative who has that name” (Luke 1:60). Elizabeth knew from her husband’s encounter in the temple with the angel Gabriel that the child’s name was to be John. “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John” (Luke 1:13). Elizabeth’s emphatic “No!” was a statement of obedience to comply exactly with what the angel had directed Zechariah and she was in agreement to help make that happen. She had to be the one to speak up since her husband had no voice until all had been fulfilled. She did her part in obedience.

The second life story lesson is Faithfulness in Old Age. The end of the passage in Luke 1:7 says, “and they were both well along in years.” These are people who have not retired from God in their older years. Like Simeon who was also old but lived in anticipation of seeing the “Lord’s Christ” (Luke 2:26b) and Anna an 84-year-old widow who “gave thanks to God and spoke of the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem” (Luke 2:38) Elizabeth did not buy into the prosperity gospel that if we obey God then He will give us what we want. This could’ve distracted her in earlier years and yet her story is one of faithfulness all of her years.

Our third life story lesson is Faithfulness in Thanksgiving. When Elizabeth did become pregnant, her first words were, “The Lord has done this for me” (Luke 1:25a). Recognizing where our blessings come from and giving Him the praise and honor due Him is paramount in our Christian walk. Additionally, Elizabeth knew how to demonstrate a mature level of thankfulness as she practiced “rejoice with those who rejoice” (Rom. 12:15a). Even though Elizabeth had incredible, unbelievable news of her own, she did not hesitate to rejoice with Mary, the mother of Jesus.

“When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!” (Luke 1:41-45)

Not only did Elizabeth rejoice but she did it loudly. She couldn’t help but rejoice and be glad.

A key for all of us to understand is that another word for wait is hope.
“And we hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, Whom He has given us.” (Rom. 5:2b-5)

It’s the power we receive from His Spirit to be able to continue to bring glory to Him while we are waiting. May we all reflect the life story lessons learned from Elizabeth while she was waiting. Even though she did not see the hand of God acting, she continued to trust the heart of God and stayed faithful in every season of her story.

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Written by Wendy Neill, Advancement Coordinator for Iron Rose Sister Ministries

Immigrants, refugees, and exiles are found throughout the Bible. Abraham, Ruth, and Daniel all ended up living as foreigners, far away from home.

Daniel was part of the first deportation after the Lord delivered Jehoiakim king of Judah into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar (Dan. 1:1-2). It seems unfair that Daniel, a true follower of God, had to suffer for the sins of Judah’s leaders, but he did. We often do too.

Daniel found a balance between peacefully submitting to this new earthly power and still remaining faithful to God (1:8). He was able to discern the difference between adjusting to a new language, new customs, new clothing, and more while still being a citizen of God’s heavenly kingdom. He drew the line at defiling himself with the king’s food (chapter 1), he continued to pray even when it was against the law (chapter 6), and he spoke the truth, even when it put him in mortal danger (chapters 2, 4, and 5).

God is very active in Daniel’s story. He caused the chief court official, Ashpenaz, to show favor and sympathy to Daniel (1:9) and he gave Daniel knowledge, understanding, and the ability to interpret visions and dreams (1:17, 2:19). He dramatically saved Daniel from a horrific death by shutting the mouths of the lions (7:22).

Many of you reading this are far from home. You may be an immigrant, a refugee, or an exile. You might long for home, though you can’t go back — at least not for now. In reality, we are all living on foreign soil. Heaven is our home. We have to find ways to balance humble submission to earthly powers while remaining faithful to our true King. God is sovereign over all nations and is always near and at work. Daniel’s story is HIStory. So is yours.

Do you feel like a foreigner where you are living right now? How well do you balance humble submission to earthly powers while remaining faithful to your true King?

Written by Kathy Thompson, Office Assistant for Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Arkansas

In the gospel of Luke, towards the end of chapter 10, we read the story about Jesus when He came to have dinner at Martha’s home in Bethany. As women, we may have heard multiple lessons about how stressed and distracted poor Martha was when Jesus and His apostles came to eat dinner at their house.

But I’d like to take a minute and look a little closer at Mary in this story.

Let’s suppose that Mary had come over to her sister’s home to help prepare and serve dinner for a very special visitor and His 12 friends – no small feat. Even in modern times, with refrigeration and large indoor kitchens, it isn’t a cake walk to serve dinner to 13 guests! There were many details to take care of, much preparation that had to happen so that the meal would come off in a smooth and timely manner. And, of course, it had to be especially delicious, in honor of their special guest. I imagine that hospitality was very important to Martha, and, on this occasion, she depended heavily on her sister to help make that happen in the most seamless way possible.

In some ways, we women haven’t changed much over the centuries. We all want to offer visitors to our homes a clean and comfortable environment and delicious meals. And make it all look easy, even effortless, while in fact, there has been a large amount of thought, preparation and work put into it beforehand, right?

Let’s imagine that as Mary busily helped her sister in the kitchen, she caught snippets of what the men were talking about in the living room. The more she heard of what Jesus was teaching His apostles and her brother, the more she wanted to hear. Before long, she couldn’t resist slipping into the room and finding an out-of-the-way place to sit and listen. Then she began just drinking in every word that came out of His mouth. His words were unlike any she had ever heard! They were sinking deep into her heart, penetrating her soul and she just couldn’t get enough. His teachings made perfect sense to her, on many levels, some she didn’t even understand herself. They uplifted her, challenged her, inspired her, and I can imagine that these were words she had longed to hear all her life, but had never heard until now.

Imagine her reaction as she slowly began to understand that she had, sitting in front of her: the Son of God! The Messiah that was to come into the world! The One that she had been taught her whole life to expect and wait for. He was here! In her small town! Sitting in her sister’s living room!
All thoughts of the meal preparation disappeared from her mind. The fact that she had come to help Martha was no longer important. All that mattered was this amazing Man and His teachings! All she wanted was to get to know this Man better and hear more of His life-giving words!

Are we ever that focused on Jesus?

A song comes to mind that I love to sing: Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus.
“Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face; and the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace.”

I imagine that is exactly what happened to Mary on that afternoon in Bethany, so many years ago: Mary focused on Jesus. Not the meal she was supposed to be helping with, not her sister. Only Jesus. And everything else faded to dim.

What did Jesus think of Mary’s laser focus? When stressed-out Martha asks Him to direct her to help, His reply is: “Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; but only a few things are necessary, really only one, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:41-42). The good part: feasting on Jesus’ teachings.

We read in Colossians 3:1-3 “If then, you’ve been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.”

Mary was seeking the things above, not the things of earth.

So now we ask: How can we do the same? How do we focus on Jesus like Mary did? And set our minds on things above? Life tends to go flying by in a blur, doesn’t it? We have so many responsibilities and activities and interests…so many things distracting us from putting our full attention on our Savior.

How do we stop and take time for the Lord every single day, every hour?

What would it take for you to turn your focus to Jesus? It’s different for everyone.
For me, the change in focus, came with the sudden death of my husband, last summer, to Covid. We had just moved to a lovely small town to retire. Then he passed on to his reward in paradise and I found myself in a new town, in a new church where I didn’t know anyone yet, without my sweet husband, feeling, in essence, completely alone...

But you know, I was not alone. God was there with me. He gently picked me up and carried me through each painful step. He provided a loving Christian family who reached out to me, cared for me, and prayed for me, even though they hadn’t known me up until now. I drew closer to God than I had ever been in my lifetime. Laser focused on Jesus.

Each of our journeys through this life are different. It doesn’t take a death in the family to refocus our eyes on the Savior. What would it take in your life? You can decide at any moment, like Mary, to set your eyes on Him, to listen to Him and feast on His teachings.

Today, in 2022, we can sit at Jesus’ feet anytime we desire. We have, sitting in front of us, the Son of God. We can drink in His every word. We can allow His words to sink into our hearts, penetrate our souls, and we won’t be able to get enough. You know that His teachings still make perfect sense today, they uplift us, challenge us, and inspire us. We just open the Bible and there it is, all that He had to teach us, laid open in front of our eyes.

Sisters, I’d like to encourage us all to be like Mary and allow Jesus’ teachings to fill us up, to the extent that it’s all we want to focus on. Let’s allow the things of earth to grow strangely dim as we read about His life, hear His parables, and understand the will of God for our lives in His Word.

“See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us that we should be called children (daughters) of God, and such we are…” (1 John 3:1a).

It’s so great a love that we can’t help but turn our eyes upon Jesus, until everything else fades.

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